The financial requirement is one of the most common reasons UK student visa applications get delayed or refused — not because applicants lack the money, but because the specific rules for how and when that money needs to be held aren’t followed exactly. Here’s how it actually works.
Figures below reflect current published guidance as of August 2026. Immigration rules change — always confirm the current figure on the official UK government visa page before relying on it for your application.
How much you need to show
As of current guidance, you need to demonstrate £1,529 per month for living costs (maintenance), for a maximum of 9 months, which totals £13,761. This applies on top of having already paid your tuition fees (or having enough additional funds to cover the first year of tuition if you haven’t paid yet) — the maintenance figure is separate from and in addition to tuition costs.
If your course is 9 months or shorter, you need to show funds for the full length of the course rather than capping at 9 months.
The 28-day rule — the part most applicants get wrong
Your funds must sit in your account, without dropping below the required amount on any single day, for a minimum of 28 consecutive days before you apply. If the balance dips below the threshold at any point during that window — even briefly — the 28-day count restarts from zero.
Practically, this means:
– Deposit the full required amount well before you plan to apply — don’t cut it close.
– Avoid any transactions that could drop the balance below the threshold during the 28-day window, including transfers, fees, or currency conversion losses.
– Get your bank statement or certificate only after the 28 days are fully complete.
The 31-day rule
The end date of your 28-day statement period must fall within 31 days of when you submit your visa application. In practice, this means you can’t sit on an old statement — apply promptly after your 28-day window closes.
Whose funds count
Your own funds count, and so do a parent’s or legal guardian’s funds — with their written consent for the money to be used for your studies. If a sponsor is providing your funds, the required documentation (consent letter, proof of relationship, and the same 28-day account history) applies to their account, not yours.
Common mistakes that trigger delays or refusals
- Making a large deposit just before applying, without letting it season for the full 28 days — this is one of the most common and most avoidable errors.
- Letting the balance dip below the threshold due to an unrelated transaction during the 28-day window.
- Using a bank statement that’s too old, violating the 31-day rule.
- Missing required sponsor documentation when funds come from a parent or guardian rather than the applicant directly.
A practical timeline
Given the 28-day holding period plus the 31-day application window, plan to have your full funds deposited and stable at least 5–6 weeks before you intend to submit your visa application — building in a buffer for any unexpected transaction.
For the visa process more broadly, see the Visa & Relocation hub, and for what happens at the interview stage for other destinations, US Student Visa Interview: Common Refusal Reasons for West African Applicants.